It was unlike him to be so unfocused, yet after the events that had unfolded before him he found it impossible to concentrate. Violet eyes glued to his youngest child. Jon had stood by his decision with a fire in his eyes that made Rhaegar feel a strange sense of pride. Initially, he had felt infuriated that his son had not crowned his betrothed. Of course, when he had stated as such, he had heard Aegon murmur under his breath 'It is hardly official'. Jon's gaze had intensified, arms folding as he held his own. There was nothing that could truly be said as an argument to that.

Since the rather short lived, one-sided conversation – one he was absolutely certain Aegon and Jon took no heed to – he had kept his eyes glued to his son. Watching as carefully as possible, without trying not to draw attention to what he was doing.

A part of him thought it a pity that it was the Tyrell Roses that rested upon Lady Sansa's auburn locks; he was certain that like her aunt, a crown of Winter Roses would have suited her far better. Alas, the roses had been given as a gift from the Tyrells, and thus it was decided that the crown should be made from the beautiful flowers. Something his wife had been against from the start.

While watching his son, he had also been watching Lady Sansa. The smile that lit up her face had not left since the flower crown had been placed atop her head. Her Tully blue eyes appeared a little brighter; it was almost strange how a flower crown could impact so many people in so many ways.

He had his own memories of another Stark wearing a crown of Winter Roses, while the crowds silence was as loud as any gasp of horror. At the time he had not cared for the opinion of others, and he was certain that his son felt the same way he had all those years ago.

Looking around the hall, his stomach twisted at the sight of Joffery Baratheon glaring across the hall. The young Lord's gaze locked on Jon.

It was certainly a scandal. Even if Jon's betrothal was not official, Lady Sansa's was. The Lady was set to marry, and everyone at court knew it. What Jon had done could cause a rift between Houses – although there had been a rift for some time, Rhaegar had hoped that things would be fixable.

Looking back at his son, he felt himself hold in a sigh. There was nothing to be done about a situation that had found its way into history. Yet another Targaryen decided to crown a Stark girl – already betrothed to a Baratheon – his Queen of Love and Beauty. Perhaps it was a strange sort of fate, something that would keep happening until the Gods decided it had gone the way it was supposed to. If that was the case, how was it supposed to end?

The smile had not left Sansa's face since Dany and Rhaenys had began to applaud the crowning. Or at least, that was what Rhaenys had told him. It made him feel happy to know that Sansa was in such a happy place. The decision had made him nervous, yet he told himself he would never regret it. Not when the shock on her face dissolved and the bright smile lit up her face. Never could he have denied his cousin's beauty, but those few seconds would remain with him until he died. Watching the way her face lit up, as if the sun itself was shining from behind her eyes. In those moments he realised he had never seen anything more beautiful than Lady Sansa Stark.

Even with Tyrell Roses atop her head, she looked completely Stark. She looked as if she was home, and it made his heart pause. Since those moments, he had found it difficult to take his eyes off of her. Seeing her look so happy made him want to keep her that way. Of course, it was a task that was rendered near impossible by the fact that she was betrothed to Joffrey.

Even the mere thought of the boy made him feel an inexplicable burn in his veins. Whenever the Baratheon boy's name was even mentioned, all he could think about was hearing his hand hit Sansa's cheek. The fury tugged at his chest any time the thought lingered or anytime he caught sight of the bruise that marked Sansa's cheek. Never would he treat her as such. She deserved to be treated like a lady, not an object or a belonging – like the person she was.

When the music started up and the dancing began he felt content. For once he was happy to dance. It was rare that he broke the rules or did something that truly shocked others; usually when he did, he felt immensely guilty about such things. No such guilt hit him. Instead he felt great pride at seeing his Queen of Love and Beauty smile as she spun on the dance floor. He felt happy, and that was all that mattered. The members of court could stare or say as they wished, his happiness would not diminish because of their wants – not this time.

"Thank you."

He met her eyes and they were shining, a thin layer of unshed tears glittering in the dim lighting. For a brief moment his heart sank, thinking that perhaps there was something wrong, yet before he could open his mouth, she continued.

"I doubt I shall ever feel as happy as I have done today, and I cannot thank you enough for it."

Such words were more painful to hear than he would have ever initially thought. To know she truly believed she would never feel such happiness again hurt to hear, yet it made him glad to know that he had made her so happy. His grip on her tightened.

"I did not know you could tell the future, my lady."

She blinked, almost confused.

A smile tugged at his lips. "Your future may be brighter than you know. None of us can see tomorrow, after all."

"I suppose that is true." The hand on his shoulder seemed to tighten its grip ever so slightly. Her voice had gotten quieter, and he strained slightly to hear her over the music. "Mayhaps the gods have some grand plan for my life."

"I wonder what would be more terrifying. The Gods having no interest in your life at all, or having everything you say and do set in stone."

She paused, staring at him almost blankly. A perfect eyebrow rose as her eyes seemed to darken. "Is it something you think about?"

"Occasionally. If I ever feel bad about myself, I truly wonder if the Gods are invested in my life – or anyone elses lives – at all. But now? Now you have made me wonder that if they are invested in our lives, just how invested can they be?"

It was all true. He met her Tully blue eyes and wondered just why things unfolded the way they did. Why would yet another Stark girl be betrothed to some Baratheon boy who was not worthy of her? Sansa was far to kind for Joffrey. Sansa was far too lovely and far too beautiful to be kept hidden away by a monster for the rest of her life.

"What makes you wonder that?"

For a moment, he could not find the right words; trying to work out how he could phrase any of his thoughts out loud. Some things were not to be said, especially not during a feast where he could be heard. Of course, it would help if he, himself, knew just what his mind wanted.

"Have you ever wondered why history so often repeats itself?" He tried hard not to bite down or look away, his heart pounding in his chest. "People always say it is because we learn from our mistakes. But what i- What if it is because things did not go to the Gods plan the first time around; and so it happens time and time again, until they are satisfied with the results."

There was something in her gaze, that made him wonder if his heart was still beating. Her teeth grazed her bottom lip, before her lips parted as if she was going to say something. A second later and her mouth closed as if she had changed her mind of what she was going to say.

"Perhaps there might be something in my future to look forward to." There was something teasing in her tone and he smiled lightly.

"I am certain it will be worth it."

Despite the teasing, it felt like some kind of promise. Another to add to long list of things he had audibly and silently promised Lady Sansa Stark. And Gods, he intended on keeping every last one of them if it lit up her face like a child hearing a story or a songs happy ending.

Life is neither a story or a song. His mind reminded him.

Not unless you make it one. A voice that sounded far to much like Rhaenys argued back.

"Good." Her smile became somewhat sly. "Because I-"

"Excuse me." His blood froze as they were interrupted, he turned his head to look at Joffrey. "I was wondering if I could have this dance with my lady."

"Of course." Neither himself or Sansa could deny Joffrey that. Not in front of a crowd, and not after his 'scandal'. It was one thing to crown her his Queen of Love and Beauty, it would be another to deny her betrothed the right to dance with her in public – no matter how satisfying it would be.

A smug smile lit up Joffreys face as Sansa took his had; worried Tully blue eyes locked on his own grey ones. The hand that was still on her waist gave a gentle squeeze, one he hoped to be reassuring. It will be alright, he thought to himself, everything will be okay. The brief, almost unnoticeable nod he got in return was more reassuring than a thousand words.

Rather than going to dance with Dany or Rhaenys, he decided to do the right thing and approached Lady Margaery. She saw him approaching before her dancing partner – the late Robert Baratheons younger brother, he presumed.

"My Prince." She curtsied, and he let his lips curl upwards.

"My Lady, I was wondering if I might have this dance."

Looking at Renly, she smiled. "We shall continue this later, my Lord."

Jons curiosity was piqued as he looked between Margaery and Renly, but he said nothing. It was none of his business, and from what he knew, Renly was an old friend of the Tyrells – though the rumours on that front were ones that he held no interest in.

As they began dancing, he found his throat went dry. There was nothing he had to say to her, or rather nothing he wished to discuss. After the stunt he pulled earlier, he would not be surprised if he had truly offended her. Official or not, the betrothal was still real and he had crowned another Lady his Queen of Love and Beauty.

"Are you enjoying your evening, my lady?"

"Of course, my prince. I've been having the most enjoyable of time since arriving in the capital."

A part of him wanted to slam his head against something. It was infuriating to always hear what other people thought he wanted to hear. Sometimes, the bitter truth was better than hearing the sweet lies. Sansa had been nothing but honest since arriving in the capital, and despite hating some of the truths he had heard, it made the rest so much sweeter. Perhaps he was too Stark to be in the south, something that Aegon had often told him over the years.

"She is very beautiful. Even a blind man could see that." He was shocked at Margaery's words. And before he could respond, she pressed on. "I cannot fault your decision, she is your family and when family is harmed, you do all you can to make them feel better, do you not?"

It was an out, Jon realised. An explanation that had never once come to his mind, because all he had thought about was how she deserves so much more than anything Joffrey would ever give her. To be in a position of having an excuse all but written for him was what appeared to be a once in a lifetime opportunity. An opportunity that made him almost reel back.

'when your family is harmed, you do all you can to make them feel better'

A part of him wanted to be horrified. It felt as if it was belittling what had happened to Sansa. As if he had crowned her solely to make her feel better for Joffrey hitting her when that was far from the truth. He had not crowned Sansa to make her feel better; he crowned her because he wanted to. It was what she deserved.

"Of course." He did all he could to act like those two words would not haunt him. As if he was blatantly lying to the woman he was to be wed to.

It suddenly hit him. The weight of his thoughts truly hit him and he had to blink, almost pausing in his movements. He was going to be marrying Margaery Tyrell, whether he wanted it or not. The woman in front of him would be the woman with whom he would share a bed with, have children with, spend the rest of his life with.

"Are you alright, my Prince?"

"Too much wine, I am afraid." He laughed, the lie feeling far more natural than the first, and his stomach twisted. A marriage of lies was not the future he wanted for himself. "Aegon would never forgive me if I did not celebrate my victory to his standard."

"Oh of course." She laughed, even tilting her head back slightly as her face lit up. "Every tourney victor should celebrate properly. Though you will suffer greatly for it in the morn."

"That I will, my lady. I do not look forward to it."

The clanging of a spoon against glass halted all the action in the room. Rheagar stood at the High Table, eyes looking across the sea of people. It did not escape Jons notice, that both Aegon and Rhaenys were stood beside their father.

"I would like to thank everyone for coming to celebrate my nameday, the festivities so far have been of a great enjoyment for myself. I hope that the rest of you have found them as equally enjoyable. But it is with great pride and happiness that I get to announce that my son and heir, Aegon is to be wed to my daughter Rhaenys."

The pounding of her heart was the only thing she wished she could hear. Instead, it was the voices of a family she had practically ignored since being helped off of her horse the day they had arrived at the Red Keep. The desire to up and flee was almost unbearable. A part of her wished that she or Jon had refused Joffrey the night before, because at least she would not be there. Despite the scandal, she would not be trapped in a room with Cersei, Joffrey and Tywin, she would be safe with Rhaenys and Dany out in the gardens.

"It seems that the Targaryens have taken quite the shining to you, my lady Sansa." Tywin was watching her through calculated eyes, and it took all of her will power to force the free Sansa back into her cage. In that room, she belonged to the Lannisters. As she opened her mouth, Tywin cut her off. "It is quite alright. In fact, it is rather beneficial."

A part of her felt her heart stop, almost scared of what she was going to hear. "Beneficial?" She asked cautiously. If she played her cards right, perhaps she could get Joffrey to slip and reveal Tywin and Cersei's plans. Despite doing all she could to avoid the two, she knew they were up to something when the were locked away from the world. If Tyrions drunken mumblings were anything to go by, then it was definitely plotting.

"After the last war, the Targaryen's reign has been questioned. Many people do not believe them fit to rule. There is a higher chance of a Targaryen becoming mad than great. Without their dragons, their reign means very little. You know our recent history, a war started over your Aunt Lyanna, because Rheagar believed he could get whatever he wanted and do whatever he wanted. Targaryens do not seem to conform to basic rules of etiquette and everything they have done in recent times has caused a lot of unrest. They refuse to trust in any other Houses, and need to be truly motivated to take action in anything that happens within the realm. Yet they like you. If I was a wagering man, I would even say that they trust you." Despite the last sentence sounding like a statement, the silence that followed and the look in Tywins eyes told her that it was a question.

"That they do, my lord." Her heart squeezed painfully and she tried to ignore the bile that rose in her throat.

"Good. Now, I do not wish to ask anything of you that might make you uncomfortable, but one day you will be married into our House and your loyalty will be to us. We will repay your loyalty with kindness, care and trust – something I do not believe my daughter or grandson have freely given you, and yet it is what you deserve. Since the Targaryens trust you, it would be easy for you to procure any information that we might find beneficial. Information that they would not freely give anyone else; for example, thoughts and opinions on other Houses."

It was hard to keep an impassive face, yet she was convinced she had managed it beautifully. The Lannisters wanted to use her to bring down the Targaryens. Perhaps once upon a time, she would have been naive enough to buy into the promises of care and kindness, but a year of living with them had taught her that neither Cersei or Joffrey were capable of such things. Once upon a time, she believed that marriage meant loyalty, and she may have devoted all of hers to Joffrey had he not revealed his true colours sooner.

No, true loyalty was given to those who deserved it. The Starks, her family, were those who came first. If a situation ever arose, her family would be whom she served. Then there were the Targaryens, who were the first to show her a little kindness in far too long. And finally, Tyrion. Tyrion would always have part of her loyalties; a man who had gone out of his way to be kind to her when his whole family treated her with disdain.

"I know what it is we are asking of you, but remember that this is the same family that had your aunt kidnapped and uncle murdered. Think of your own family. How sweet it will be to see them once more. And you will, my lady. I have written a letter inviting your mother, sister and younger brother to visit Casterly Rock for your next nameday."

It took all of her willpower not to run as hard and as fast as she could through the corridors. Walking felt too slow, and with the way her heart was pounding, the other side of the keep was far too far away. By the time she reached the door she was after, she felt as if she was ready to collapse.

She knocked thrice, and waited with baited breath.

Rhaenys opened the door, worry quickly etched onto her face as she looked at Sansa. "What is wrong?" She looked around, refusing to say a word. With a nod, Rhaenys silently invited her into the solar, closing the door behind her. "Sansa, what is it?"

"The Lannisters wish for me to give them information on you all."

"What?" The hiss came from a voice she had not expected. Looking around, she noticed Dany, Aegon and Viserys. The look in the eldest Targaryen in the solars face made her heart begin to pound wildly once again, fear seeping through her blood.

"They- They- I never mentioned it out of fear before, but Cersei and Tywin have been plotting something for a long time now. I did not know what they were plotting, and I would often pretend there was nothing suspicious going on because I was scared. Tyrion mentioned it once when drunk, saying that he 'will never have a hand in helping them'. But now they have asked me to do this for them, and they used my family as motivation, telling me I can see them if I do as they wish. So-" Her heart shattered as she stared at the floor. "I-"

"Sansa?" Rhaenys took her hands in her own and met her eyes.

"They wanted something as a 'sign of goodwill'. I- used what you had told me to give them something without telling them anything important. I told them that your family is aware of the unrest, and are working on trying to overcome it. Please, I am sorry, I did-"

"Why are you sorry?" It was Aegon who interrupted her, a seriousness in his eyes that almost unnerved her. "You came straight to Rhaenys after the incident, and told them a very vague response, something they will never be able to use against us."

Despite the fact Aegon spoke true, she still felt as if she had betrayed them. Even a vague half-truth was still giving the Lannisters something. Lies and betrayal were not something she wished to have any part in.

"Father has been certain that the Lannisters are plotting something, and now that we know they are, we can make contingencies. Rhaenys, you and Viserys can have a little chat with Varys and ask why we have heard nothing about this before now. Dany, you and I can have a chat with Baelish, I am almost certain he will know something. Sansa-" His violet eyes focused on her, careful and cautious. "After we have all gathered what information we can, we will sit down and discuss our next move. Unfortunately, there are a limited number of options here for you. We know what the Lannisters want, and as you have proven already, you are unwilling to give them that and have instead relayed that information to us.

"We can give you bits and pieces of information to give the Lannisters for whenever they ask for it. That is not a questionable option, they have made your life miserable enough, I do not wish to think on what they would do to you if you refused to cooperate with them. If you like, you can relay information back to us; this is an option. I understand that such things can make a person uncomfortable. We trust you enough not to lie to us, and we trust that if the time came and the Lannisters did reveal their end game to you that you would tell us either way. You can, if you wish, involve Tyrion. I am certain if he knows that his father wishes to use you, that he will do what he can to protect you. I for one, would be interested in what he has to say, but I am not asking for any information, simply telling you the different paths and letting you decide which you are more comfortable with."

With a heavy heart, she nodded. A number of days in the capitol and she found herself playing the game of thrones.

Gossip had a tendency to travel fast. Within a short period of time, most of the Seven Kingdoms could know everything and anything if it was interesting enough. Of course, a lot of gossip rarely made its way so far north. He had learned that from a young age, unless the court gossip was juicy enough, it would not reach Winterfells ears.

So he was truly surprised when all anyone could talk about was how Prince Jon Targaryen crowned Lady Sansa Stark as his Queen of Love and Beauty. For a short while, it had not bothered him. He had felt smug and had even been a little jealous that he had not been there to see the look on that Baratheon boys face as Sansa was crowned. And then he heard it. One small whisper in the court yard that made his blood freeze.

'Just like Rhaegar and Lyanna.'

One small comment and suddenly dread filled his entire being. The rest of his day was spent trying to argue the differences. Jon and Sansa had met before the Tourney. They had a chance to bond and get to know one another. Joffrey had harmed Sansa, and perhaps Jon was doing it in devotion to family. The dread did not go away, and the whispers continued.

"Is it true?" Rickon asked during dinner. "Did Jon crown Sansa his Queen?"

He looked down at his father and watched the smile die from his face, replaced with something stoic and unreadable. "As far as I am aware, yes. He did."

A smile lit up Rickons face. "Good. Sansa would make a great Queen."

That part was undeniable. Sansa would make a fantastic Queen if given the opportunity, but that was not her position, nor would it ever be.

"I just don't understand what the fuss is about." Arya stated blandly, stabbing at the meat on her plate. "So Jon crowned her his Queen of Love and Beauty, so what? She's basically the embodiment of it anyway, and it was hardly like Joffrey was going to crown her. Let someone worthy of crowning her do it. Anyone else participating would have done it as well."

"No, they would not have." There mother cut in. "To crown another mans wife or betrothed is a scandal, Arya. It is not done. The crown is to be given to a woman you love or intend to court."

"But Jon loves Sansa." Rickon cut in. "He is family."

"Exactly." Arya agreed. "Plenty of people have crowned their sisters-"

"Targaryens!" Their mother hissed back. "And they marry their sisters ofttimes."

"What would be so wrong with Jon wanting to court Sansa anyway?" Arya argued back. "He is a prince. His father could easily break Sansa's betrothal to Joffrey and save her a lifetime of pain, something her own father has yet to do."

Arya's nonchalant attitude was the only thing that made his own thoughts pause. There was a very good point in what she was saying, with only one issue. He highly doubted the King would break off the betrothal for his son's benefit. The Lannisters were tricky enough, a full scale uprising could follow such a decision.

"Are you listening to yourself?"

With a huff and a clatter of her fork, Arya met their mothers gaze. "Do you want Sansa to marry Joffrey?"

"No, but-"

"Then where is the problem? Let her have a little bit of happiness, there is a high chance that this means nothing and it is something Jon did because he wants Sansa to have a little bit of happiness in her life. And if it does mean something, then who are we to tell Sansa to stay with someone who harms her? If she wants to run away with Jon like aunt Lyanna an-"

"Enough!"

Their fathers face was twisted into an unreadable expression and the heat of his gaze made Robb want to lower his head, yet he did not. Instead, he watched his sister. Her Stark grey eyes met her fathers; refusing to give in.

"Arya, go to your chambers."

Anger flashed in her eyes as she stood. "I hope he does do something, because obviously you will not. And if he does nothing either, then I will."

As Arya left, a sigh slid past their fathers lips. "I do not know what has gotten into her, but she needs to realise that nothing is that simple."

"No." Robb agreed. "But only because nobody allows anything to be simple."

"We have a duty to the realm to keep it at peace. Without peace, we have nothing. Everything we have worked hard for can be taken from us, and so we do our duty."

"At the expense of Sansa." It was Bran's turn to pipe up. "She's expendable. Just like Arya."

"What?" Their parents eyes were locked on Bran, and the younger boy simply shrugged.

"If Robb was betrothed to Myrcella, and any of what had happened to Sansa, happened to him, you would call off the betrothal. If the Lannisters said no and refused to give him back, you would call your bannermen and march off to war to get him back. But you refuse to do it for Sansa, and you would refuse to do it for Arya. They are girls and this is their duty, so peace is held together at their expense. Because unlike men, they are expendable."

The urge to argue Bran's point was clear on both their parents faces. Even he had the desire to argue that what Bran had said was not true. But when he thought on it, he knew that the younger boy was right. Both Bran and Arya had made valid points, and there was nothing that could be said against them. Not strong arguments anyway, and between the two younger Starks, there was enough smarts and determination to fight and win any argument that came their way.

"I love Sansa, and like Arya and Rickon, I want her home. She does not deserve this, and you can argue that she is betrothed to Joffrey and so everything is okay, but being betrothed to someone does not stop you from being a prisoner. And that is not okay. Not at all."

For a moment, all Robb could wonder was when in the world Bran had gotten so damn wise. The younger boy was too smart and wise for someone so young. And yet it was needed, because it meant there was someone who could help everyone see things in a better light.

"If you can excuse me, I believe I have a long overdue raven to send."

With that, their father got up and left.